Since our entrance into foster care, mine and my siblings lives have been substantially different in regards to content, but marked with the same themes of abuse, neglect, and separation we experienced before our entrance into care. In the winter of 2017, my youngest two siblings were adopted by a family who promised safe bodies, full bellies, assured sibling visits, and unwavering advocacy and dedication to their best interests. Regrettably, these assurances were never upheld. My siblings were immediately moved 10 hours away from us, and our visits were restricted to once, maybe twice a year. It was horrible to be away from one another for so long. In 2024 we learned that these long lapses in visits were largely due to the adoptive family fearing that the sexual, physical, and emotional abuse that was occurring would be found out. Its taken time, but finally we find ourselves standing on the threshold of a new beginning. My siblings have been living with me for the last 7 months by way of temporary guardianship, their adoptive father is days away from standing trial for the abuse he committed and their adoptive mother has said that she does not want the children any more and has agreed to an independent adoption - so long as I pay for everything. This method of adoption keeps the kids out of foster care but does make us ineligible for the customary supports and financial aid that accompany most adoptions. We now are struggling to navigate the expenses of hiring a lawyer, paying for the independent home study, background checks, and the daunting court filing fees. Estimations from various attorneys have led us to anticipate that this will cost anywhere between $12k-20k. I would do anything to ensure the safety and well-being of my siblings and keep them home with me. Before selling my limbs and organs on the black market I am desperately turning to our community in search of support. I confess to feeling heavily vulnerable and embarrassed in making this request, but recognize that this is bigger than me (and some of you might chop my limbs off yourselves if I didn’t take this opportunity to lean on the amazing people who want to support our family.) Please know that your assistance is ensuring that two extraordinary, kind, smart, compassionate, and joyful kiddos not only have a safe home - but also a future brimming with security, where they can freely express themselves, stumble without fear, and always have someone to catch them. To all those who have taken the time to read these pieces of our stories and extend a helping hand, your kindness and generosity are forever appreciated. Together, you’re offering us the gift of stability and the promise of a brighter and safer tomorrow. In turn, we promise a post adoption photo with all of us inevitably grinning ear to ear and sighing big sighs of relief. With love and gratitude, Katie, Noah, and Nevaeh
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